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tear gland

anatomy
Also known as: lachrymal gland, lacrimal gland

Quick Summary

The tear glands, also known as lacrimal glands, are structures responsible for producing the watery component of tears. Tears are essential for keeping the eye's surface moist, providing nutrition and oxygen, and possessing antibacterial properties.

Tears consist of a complex fluid, with an inner mucous layer and an outer lipid layer that prevent evaporation and help tears adhere to the eye. Tears are secreted by both accessory lacrimal glands and the main lacrimal glands, which are almond-shaped and located above and to the outer side of the eye.

Tears drain from the eye through small openings called puncta, into the lacrimal sacs, and then into the nasal cavity via the nasolacrimal duct. Diseases affecting the lacrimal glands can lead to chronic dry eye, potentially threatening vision.1234

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